By: The Associated Press
WASHINGTON – Federal law enforcement officials said the man accused in a shooting rampage at the Washington Navy Yard that left at least 12 people dead has been identified as Aaron Alexis.
The two officials spoke Monday afternoon to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
One of those officials said Alexis was a 34-year-old from Texas. He is believed to have a criminal record there and to be a holder of a concealed carry weapon permit.
That official said Alexis is believed to have gotten into the Navy Yard by using someone else’s identification card. It is not yet clear if that individual was an accomplice or if that person’s ID card was stolen.
District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy Lanier said during a news conference Monday that 12 people were confirmed dead.
The attack unfolded just a short distance from the White House and the U.S. Capitol at a former shipyard that is one of the Navy’s oldest shore facilities.
The building that was targeted was the military’s headquarters for Naval Sea Systems Command, which buys, builds and maintains ships, submarines and combat systems. About 3,000 people work at the headquarters, many of them civilians.
President Barack Obama said he will make sure “whoever carried out this cowardly act is held responsible.” The Washington Navy Yard is about 3 1/2 miles from the White House.
As of 3:30 p.m. Senate officials say no one was being allowed in or out of Senate buildings while authorities search for a potential second suspect in the Navy Yard shootings.
Senate Sergeant at Arms Terrance Gainer said Monday that people could move around the buildings but could not leave or enter. He said he had no information to suggest the Senate, its members or staff were in danger but took the step out of an abundance of caution. The House remained open.